Exploring Milan Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around milan airport

Milan Malpensa Airport is the second busiest airport in Italy, and is conveniently located close to Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como. The city centre of Milan is 50km away, and can be reached by train, bus or taxi. If you're looking for things to do around the airport, you can visit the nearby town of Sesto Calende, which is a 10-minute drive away, or take a 50-minute bus to Stresa on Lake Maggiore. If you're looking to stay closer to the airport, you can visit the Castello Visconti di San Vito, which offers guided tours of the 13th-century castle, or the Volandia Museum, which is perfect for car and plane enthusiasts. The airport itself also has plenty of options for dining and shopping.

Characteristics Values
Airport Lounges Club SEA lounges
Eateries Pasta, pizza, antipasti, wine, coffee, burgers, juice bars, noodles, bakeries, McDonald's, Burger King, Wagamama
Shopping High-end fashion labels like Bric's, Boggi, Camicissima, Furla, Tod's, convenience stores, Duty-Free, traditional airport shops
Nearby Attractions Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Lake Como, Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Il Cenacolo, Brera neighbourhood, Castello Visconti di San Vito, Volandia Museum, Sesto Calende, Valpolicella wine region, Lake Garda, Dolomites, Venice
Transport Malpensa Express train, bus, taxi, car rental
Accommodation Sheraton Milan Malpensa, Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods, hotels near Milano Centrale

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Visit Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore, located in the North of Italy, is a very popular tourist destination. It is the second-largest lake in Italy, with a surface length of 212 km². The easiest way to get to Lake Maggiore is by car. You can take the A8 motorway towards Malpensa Airport and follow the signs to the lake. The lake is only 50 miles (80 km) away from Milan and it takes about an hour to drive from the airport to the lake. Alternatively, you can take a train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Stresa, which takes about 1 hour and 18 minutes and costs around €10 each way. You can also take a bus, the Alibus, from the airport to the lake, but only from April to October.

There are many things to do and see in Lake Maggiore. One option is to take a ferry or a guided boat tour to visit the different towns and villages around the lake, such as Laveno, which has the only natural harbour in Lake Maggiore and offers stunning views of the Alps and the lake from the top of Sasso del Ferro, a mountain with an altitude of 1062 meters (3500 feet). You can also visit the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso in Leggiuno, which is still used as a monastery today. The Borromean Islands in Stresa are also a popular destination, with their beautiful villas, churches, paintings, and gardens.

If you prefer to stay on land, you can explore the medieval fortress in Angera, which overlooks the lake and houses beautiful fourteenth and fifteenth-century frescoes, as well as a Doll Museum. You can also visit Castelgrande Castle, which offers beautiful grounds and a lookout tower with incredible views of the town and surrounding mountains. Entry to the castle is free.

Lake Maggiore is a great base for day trips to other nearby destinations, such as Milan, Lake Como, and Lake Garda. Milan, in particular, is a great city for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. The Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and Il Cenacolo, which houses the Last Supper by da Vinci, are all popular attractions in the city.

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Explore the city centre

Milan is a great destination for lovers of architecture, culture, tourism, fashion and design. The city centre is home to many of the city's top attractions, including the iconic Duomo di Milano, the third-largest cathedral in the world, which took six centuries to build. For a small fee, you can take in panoramic views of the city from the rooftop terrace.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle, a stone's throw from the Duomo, is a stylish shopping arcade with a glass and steel dome. It is home to many designer shops, including Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci, and luxurious restaurants.

Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century fortress that now houses several museums. The most prized artworks are Leonardo's Sala delle Asse and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini, but many other Masters are also represented. The castle grounds are also worth exploring, with spectacular courtyards embraced by massive walls.

The Navigli district is a great place for a romantic evening stroll along the city's waterways. It is also home to a bustling antiques market and many restaurants and bars.

For those interested in opera or ballet, a performance at the historic La Scala opera house is a must. The intimate auditorium is known for its world-class performances and intricate stage design, and the opera house also has a museum that chronicles the history of the art form.

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Enjoy the airport lounges

If you have a long layover at Milan Malpensa Airport, you may want to consider visiting one of the airport lounges. A few Club SEA lounges welcome any traveller, regardless of the airline or class, as long as you're willing to pay the entry fee. You can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, and TVs in a comfortable and quiet environment. Some lounges even offer shower facilities.

You can pay at the door or use a lounge membership program to gain entry. If you are an American Express Platinum Card holder, you can access the lounges for free. Alternatively, you can download the Priority Pass app to help you find and access lounges and manage your account.

If you would prefer to stay close to the airport but still want to get some fresh air, you can visit the nearby Castello Visconti di San Vito, which offers guided tours of the 13th-century castle, or the Volandia Museum, perfect for car and plane enthusiasts.

There are also plenty of dining options at the airport, including Italian food, burgers, juice bars, noodles, bakeries, and international chains such as McDonald's and Burger King. If you are looking for a place to stay, there are several hotels at or near the airport, including the Sheraton Milan Malpensa, which offers day rooms.

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Shop at Terminal 1

Milan is a must-go city for a productive shopping spree. The city is packed with designer stores like Chanel, Hermes, Dior, and Celine, to name a few. Italy has one of the highest tax refund rates in Europe, but you might also want to shop at the airport, in the duty-free area. It's always cheaper to purchase your designer bag at the airport as you don't need to apply for a tax refund, saving you money and time.

At Milan Malpensa Airport, Terminal 1 is where all the goodies are located. If you're looking for high-end fashion labels, Terminal 1 has dozens of options, including Italy's own Bric's, Boggi, Camicissima, Furla, and Tod's. You'll also find various convenience stores, duty-free shops, and traditional airport shops. Even if you're on a budget, you can still enjoy some window shopping or grab a few essentials at the Carrefour grocery store in the pre-security area of Terminal 1.

For those looking for a unique shopping experience, the airport offers a range of boutiques and VIP lounges in the Club SEA area. These lounges are accessible to any traveller willing to pay the entry fee, regardless of your class or airline. So, if you've always wanted to check out an airport lounge, a long layover is the perfect opportunity!

Additionally, if you're spending the night at the airport, Terminal 1 offers comfortable options like the Sheraton Milan Malpensa, with day rooms available, or the Zzzleepandgo Sleep Pods, a cheaper and less traditional option with soundproof pods, beds, WiFi, and charging outlets available by the hour.

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Eat at Michelin-rated Locanda Sole

If you're looking for a culinary treat near Milan Airport, look no further than the Michelin-rated Locanda Sole. Here are some tips to make the most of your dining experience:

Getting There

Locanda Sole is located just a short distance from Milan Malpensa Airport, the larger of the two airports serving Milan. If you're arriving by plane, you have several options to get to the restaurant. You can take the Malpensa Express train, which connects both terminals with Milano Centrale and Milano Garibaldi stations in the city centre. From there, you can ride the Metro or walk to reach the restaurant. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle or cab to the restaurant, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby hotels, such as the Sheraton Milan Malpensa or the Moxy Milan Malpensa.

The Ambiance and Cuisine

Locanda Sole boasts a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. The dining room is sure to impress with its refined decor and attentive staff. The restaurant's menu showcases the best of Italian cuisine, with a creative twist. The chefs use fresh, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are not only delicious but also works of art. From perfectly executed classic dishes to innovative flavour combinations, Locanda Sole offers a culinary journey through Italy's rich culinary heritage.

The Menu

When visiting Locanda Sole, you might start your meal with a classic Italian antipasto, like a vibrant caprese salad or a platter of cured meats and local cheeses. For the primo piatto, you could indulge in a perfectly al dente pasta dish, such as ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach in a delicate sage butter sauce. The secondo piatto might be a tender, grilled beef fillet accompanied by roasted vegetables. Be sure to save room for dessert, as the pastry chef showcases their talent with creative options like deconstructed tiramisu or a refreshing lemon sorbet.

The Wine List

Locanda Sole takes pride in its extensive wine list, featuring a carefully curated selection from various Italian regions. Whether you prefer a full-bodied Tuscan red or a crisp Sicilian white, their sommelier will help pair the perfect wine with your meal. Don't forget to start your dining experience with a classic Italian aperitif, like a Negroni or Aperol Spritz, to truly embrace the Italian spirit.

After your meal, you can explore the nearby attractions, such as the iconic Duomo di Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, or the Castello Visconti di San Vito. With its convenient location and exceptional cuisine, Locanda Sole is the perfect destination for travellers seeking a memorable dining experience near Milan Airport.

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Frequently asked questions

Milan Malpensa Airport offers a range of dining options, including Italian food, burgers, juice bars, and bakeries. There are also various convenience stores, duty-free shops, and high-end fashion labels. Additionally, you can pay a fee to access airport lounges, which offer unlimited food, drinks, WiFi, and comfortable seating.

Milan's city centre is 50 kilometres away and can be reached by train, bus, or taxi. There, you can visit iconic sites such as the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and Il Cenacolo, which houses da Vinci's "Last Supper". If you prefer nature, you can visit nearby Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, or Lake Garda.

Yes, you can explore nearby towns such as Sesto Calende, Stresa, and Busto Arsizio. These towns offer historical charm, beautiful scenery, and traditional Italian cafes.

The Sheraton Milan Malpensa Hotel is located within the airport, offering day rooms. Alternatively, there are sleep pods available in Terminal 1, providing a cheaper option with beds, WiFi, and charging outlets.

With a longer layover, you can consider visiting nearby cities such as Verona, Venice, or even taking a day trip to Tuscany. These destinations offer cultural and natural attractions, such as the Valpolicella wine region and the Dolomites.

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